Animal Cruelty Law

A bill calling for tougher penalties for animal cruelty is set for a hearing on Beacon Hill. The so-called PAWS act would also create a statewide registry of people who have been convicted of animal abuse and make that list available to animal shelters, pet stores and breeders.

The bill was filed following last year's highly-publicized case involving a year-old pit bull, later nicknamed ``Puppy Doe,'' who was euthanized after being found beaten and tortured in Quincy.

Under the proposed legislation, convicted abusers could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.